Summer — that time when everything slows down. Teams take well-deserved vacations, suppliers run at half-speed, and out-of-office replies multiply in our inboxes.
In the corporate event world, this quiet spell can feel unsettling. Projects stall, clients take a breather, and momentum dips. But here’s the good news: summer is actually the perfect time to strategically prepare for fall — a season often packed with high-profile projects and tight deadlines.
So how can you use this calm period to stay productive and set yourself up for a smooth, inspired, and efficient fall? Here are five simple steps to make it happen.
1. Embrace the Summer Pace — and Plan Accordingly
First rule: accept that summer doesn’t move at the same speed as the rest of the year. Fighting it won’t help! With limited team and client availability, a slower rhythm is inevitable.
Instead of pushing against it, adjust your overall project planning:
- Review timelines to account for vacation schedules
- Prioritize: which projects can move forward despite the slowdown?
- Adjust expectations with partners and suppliers to prevent delays or frustration
By staying realistic, you’ll navigate summer more smoothly — and avoid unnecessary stress.
2. Communicate Clearly with Clients and Suppliers
Proactive communication is your best ally for a smooth summer season.
Before everyone checks out:
- Let clients and partners know your team’s vacation dates
- Ask about their own periods of unavailability
- Confirm production and delivery timelines before summer shutdowns
A quick email or call can help avoid bottlenecks and ensure key milestones stay on track. Setting these expectations in June or early July will save you a world of trouble come September.
3. Get a Head Start on Fall Projects
Since September and October are among the busiest months for agencies, preparation is key to avoiding the stress overload.
Summer is the ideal time to:
- Gather information: brief clients, confirm key details, validate concepts while everyone’s still reachable
- Pre-produce: schedule meetings, advance scripts and briefs, finalize what can be done early, refresh timelines, plan contingency options
- Organize logistics: identify technical needs, handle permits or authorizations, anticipate staffing requirements
This groundwork lightens your fall workload, freeing you to focus on flawless execution rather than last-minute problem-solving.
4. Use the Downtime for Deep Work
When the phone rings less, seize the moment to invest in your agency’s long-term performance.
Some high-impact internal projects to tackle:
- Optimize workflows: refresh templates, automate repetitive tasks, upgrade tools
- Update your project management systems: a clean ASANA board or updated supplier database will save you precious time later
- Create content ahead of time: draft blog posts, plan social media series, or prep newsletters
- Strengthen team skills: host internal workshops or creative sessions to fuel inspiration
Clients may not see this behind-the-scenes work — but it directly enhances project quality and team wellbeing when things get busy again.
5. Keep Part of the Team on Creative Watch
Summer isn’t just for recharging — it’s also a chance to spark creativity.
Encourage your team to:
- Explore new event trends, technologies, and formats
- Discover new suppliers or partners to expand your offer
- Brainstorm fresh event ideas or concepts to pitch come fall
These inspiration-driven moments lead to stronger, more original ideas — and help your team return energized and ready to impress.
In Short
A summer slowdown isn’t a setback — it’s an opportunity. By embracing the pace and planning smart, you can turn these quiet weeks into a strategic advantage. Come fall, your projects will unfold more smoothly, creatively, and confidently.